Liverpool have spent much of the summer searching for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, but the club are yet to identify the player who will inherit one of the biggest roles in world football.
The Reds return for pre-season this week as a new era under Andoni Iraola officially begins, and Liverpool’s recruitment drive is expected to intensify as the club look to provide their new head coach with a squad capable of competing for major honours next season.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has consistently been linked with a move to Anfield and is reportedly Liverpool’s preferred candidate to replace Salah after missing out on RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande.
While there have been conflicting reports surrounding Barcola’s future and PSG’s willingness to negotiate, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now provided a fresh update on the situation.
What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?
Speaking during a transfer round-up on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that both Liverpool and Arsenal remain interested in signing the French international this summer.
“Arsenal will try to understand if there is room for negotiation [on Morgan Rogers’ price tag].”
“They also appreciate Bradley Barcola, but for Barcola there is Liverpool as well, so it’s going to be an interesting summer for wingers.”
Romano’s latest update suggests Liverpool remain firmly in the race despite ongoing uncertainty over whether Paris Saint-Germain would be prepared to sanction a sale.
Should Liverpool continue to pursue Bradley Barcola?
There are few players on the market who appear better suited to Liverpool’s long-term plans than Barcola.
At 23 years old, the Frenchman has already won back-to-back Champions League trophies, three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and is on course to win the 2026 World Cup with France.
Barcola’s star quality, consistency in front of goal and winning mentality would be an incredible asset both on and off the pitch for Liverpool next season.
Any progress in negotiations, however, is unlikely until France’s FIFA World Cup campaign comes to an end.
Les Bleus remain in contention for the World Cup trophy ahead of their upcoming clash with Spain in the semi-final tomorrow night.
With the tournament reaching its conclusion this weekend, Liverpool may have to wait before discovering whether a deal is realistic and a place in the final would naturally delay any communication over his future.
Another significant obstacle is Barcola’s valuation.
The winger is reportedly valued at around £128m, while Paris Saint-Germain are understood to have no intention of selling and are instead planning to open talks over a new long-term contract.
Liverpool clearly have a soft spot for Barcola, but unless PSG come to the decision to sell, securing one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents could prove to be one of the most difficult transfer pursuits of the summer.